wednesday's debate. >> we expected all along that governor romney will have a good night. he's prepared more than any candidate in history. >> president obama is a very -- he's a very gifted speaker. the man's been on the national stage for many years. he's an experienced debater. he's done these kinds of debates before. this is mitt's first time. >> reporter: the president has not had as much time to prepare for the debates because he's busy being commander in chief. >> most often debates don't make that big a difference. quite a few have lost an election with a debate. >> reporter: these matchups can produce a memorable line like in 1980 between then-governor ronald reagan and president jimmy carter. >> there you go again. >> reporter: and lloyd benson's swipe at dan quayle. >> i served with jack kennedy. i knew jack kennedy. jack kennedy because friend of mine. senator, you're no jack kennedy. >> reporter: then there are other moments that seem to say more, like george w. bush looking at his watch. >> tell you what, 10,000 bet. >> reporter: and obama's comment to then-r